Your ability to prevent Alzheimer’s disease is one of the many ways that your diet may and does affect brain function. Certain foods, such as whole grains and sunflower seeds, are more beneficial than others.

Green green vegetables are one item in particular that Harvard nutritionist Dr. Uma Naidoo and neuroscientist Lisa Genova believe is essential to a healthy brain.

Green Leafy Vegetables are the Best Meal for a Healthy Brain

Experts from many fields concur that consuming leafy greens is critical for maintaining general health, particularly for the brain.

You can include the following green leafy veggies in your meals:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Lettuces
• Cabbage
• Swiss chard
• Bok choy
• Mustard greens

Three Explanations for why a Diet High in Leafy Greens is Beneficial to the Brain

1. They have a Lot of B Vitamins

A vitamin B shortage is frequently linked to disorders including depression and dementia, per a Wayne State University School of Medicine study.

Vitamin B9, sometimes referred to as folate, is abundant in green leafy vegetables and is considered “a key vitamin for supporting brain and neurological health, optimal neurotransmitter function, and balanced psychological health,” according to the source.

When Naidoo’s patients are seeking to improve their mood, she starts by recommending leafy greens.

2. Their High Nutritional Content Boosts the Brain

Additionally rich in “brain-boosting nutrients” including beta-carotene, lutein, and folate are green leafy vegetables.

In older persons, lutein has been associated with improved brain structure and function. Additionally, a comprehensive review discovered that supplementing with beta-carotene can improve “verbal and cognitive memory.”

3. A Lot of Fiber is in Them

An association was identified between an increased dietary fiber consumption and a decreased risk of depression, according to a 2021 study published in “Complementary Therapies in Medicine.”

Naidoo would rather advise increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods, particularly those that are plant-based. Furthermore, leafy greens are naturally high in fiber.